A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

August 17, 2021

Dog and Cat Pals?!

Hello Stamplings!

How are you? I hope you enjoyed the weekend and that your week has started off on the right foot. And if you happen to be left-footed, I hope it starts off on the right left foot.

Because this month is the last and final challenge for my Twofer Card Challenge, I wanted to make another set of Dog/Cat designs to remind you. (The challenge closes at 11:55 p.m. on August 24th.)
For my reminder cards, I picked a fun stamp that has BOTH a dog and a cat! It's called "Picture Perfect" and it's from MFT.

Onefer
This card design uses one of the cute images in the set. I just love it and I thought the sediment from Tim Holtz was perfect for the dog's expression. I mean, he is so harassed, he doesn't even have whiskers! Hammy schparkled them with his winker, glossified their noses, and I stenciled paw prints on the background using a Simon Says stencil gifted from a friend. 

Twofer
I love that at first glance you don't even seen the white cat on this design. I stamped and then fussy-cut her to nestle her behind the tree ~ poised to jump out of her hiding place and scare someone, imp that she is! The tree is from Dee's Distinctively and I die-cut it twice so I could made the tree taller to accommodate little Ms. Abominable Snowcat!

I tried every way from Sunday to capture the schparkle on this card, but alas the sun wasn't cooperating. In real life the white heat-embossed snowfall is glistening and I love the shine from the SU Chrystal Effects which Hammy added to the hills, tree, and cat's eyes and nose. The snowflakes are an all-over "Brush Splatter Background" stamp from MFT.

Challenges

Final Challenge and Prizes

I hope you are able to find some time to play along in the last Twofer Card ChallengeDesign Team member Bonnie has another pair of awesome Twofer designs to inspire you over on the challenge blog!

And when you're over on the TCC blog, you'll see that I've added two prizes for two lucky winners! Check it out!

Thank you again for all your support the last four years and for all the warm comments you have left me.

 
PSA re Cutting Plates 

If you own any warped cutting plates for any brand of die-cutting machine, here is a link to a Jennifer McGuire video on Fixing & Avoiding Warped Plates. The supplies needed are what you have on hand, plus a couple hours of your time, depending on how many warped plates you have.

I followed her video and it worked a treat. I'm now set for life with flat cutting plates and I am so grateful Jennifer figured this out and took the time to make a video to share it with us ~ even while they were away at the lake! Thank you, Jennifer. 

It bears repeating that we are a wonderfully kind and sharing community!

~~~

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy, and keep safe! LITS!*

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to join as a follower! Please let me know you came by so I can be sure and return the flavor.

*Life is too short!

To open the pop-up comment box that let's you jump to the end w/o scrollingClick CTL + Home. Click the Home tab under my blog banner which resets the post. Click Page Down to reach the end of the post. Click Comments and a pop-up box opens. Click "Jump to Comment Form" and wallah, no more car pool tunnel! Mwah! (p.s. If you ask me a question in your comment, please remember to leave me your email address so I can respond. Thank you!)

51 comments:

Ros Crawford said...

Well I got on on both feet... My flexercise class has us doing all sorts of foot work... sadly my lack of coordination - feet and arms going different ways would make anyone laugh...
Brilliant cards Darnell... love the stamps and that Christmas card is so clever! Thanks for the tip abut the plates, I'll check that out. Have a good day!

kiwimeskreations said...

Oh how I love these cards Darnell - that cat certainly is a little Miss Mischief!! That Christmas card is priceless!!
And Hammy is rocking the schparkle and shine on these wonderful cards.
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Vicky Hayes said...

You were the first crafter to alert me to this fabulous MFT image Darnell and it is definitely on my list! What wonderful expressions those cuties have. But my fabourite of these two is the black and white 'merriment' card. I love the way you caught the mischief of the cat, lying in ambush for some unsuspecting traveller and how brilliant is that sentiment?! Thank you for all the Twofer fun over the past four years :) Vicky x

Mischelle Smith said...

Helo Darnell, Hope your end of the desert is better than our end. Death Valley was 114.
I have a hard time using white to make splatters or in your card, snowflakes.
What paint or what ink did you use. Also, how do you and Hammie make your splatters.
Thanks

Jeanne said...

Hi Darnell! Even though I'm not really one to participate in challenges, I wanted to say thank you for offering this one. It's been fun seeing how creative cardmakers are! See these cards for proof. :) Thanks for the tip about Jennifer's video. For some reason, I thought it was for a certain brand of machine's plates. Will check it out for sure. Hope you have a wonderful week. Crafty hugs!

designbydonna said...

Two great cards. Love the expression on the dog. He is so tolerant of that pesky cat. You can tell your little white kitty is up to no good or hiding behind the tree because she has already created some mischief. Love the piles of snowbanks. Merriment indeed! I will miss your twofers challenge but am sure you will still have los of creativity to share.

Lynette said...

So clever, Darnell! I really, really love that second card - putting the cat peeking out from behind the tree is so cute! Thanks for creating and hosting this challenge for so long.

JoAnn said...

Love your cute cards especially the Christmas card with the cat peeking from behind the tree. TFS

Em Louise Fairley said...

They are both so sweet, Darnell xoxo

Verna Angerhofer said...

I love both of your cards but that last one you used the cat peeking behind the Christmas tree really made a hit with me.

Bonnie said...

I love this sweet kitty and disgruntled pooch, Dolly! They are sitting in my NBUS box clamoring for attention! Perfect fun sentiment too! The camouflaged kitty peeking around the Christmas tree is such fun! Thanks for four, fun years of The Twofer challenge, my dear friend!

Leslie Miller said...

OMGosh, the peeking cat is so darn cute! Well, of course, both cards are adorable. After all, I do have this set and love it to pieces. Super clever idea with the Christmas card. You all have been such great inspiration over these four years. Big thank you for the link to Jennifer's video! I'm going to try it today!

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving the cards. That dog is so cute.

Don't have an embossing/die cut machine any more, but have passed the link over to friends who do. Thank you.

Hope your week is going well. Sue

conil said...

Both these cards say it perfectly. The first one is how I feel and my expression on a daily basis while watching the news. And the second is so darling. You're right, I missed the kitty at first glance.
You've done a bang up job on this challenge and it will be sorely missed. Take care.

Sue said...

Ohhh I love these cards Darnell they are so fab! and thanks for the tip about the plates I'm fed up of buying new ones! hugs Sue x

Kate said...

Two great cards and thanks for the info about the plates - I've been considering buying a new pair as one of mine is very warped.

Sandra H said...

Ooh wow both cards are absolutely fabulous l just love your peeping cat 🐱 Darnell great layout too take care xx

Carol L said...

These are fabulous cards and I just love that cute image! The black background is perfect for the white tree and kitty and I love that great design! As for the 2nd card, I'm all for snarky and I just love that sentiment! LOL The more this world is thrown into chaotic turmoil, the more I like snarky sentiments! What's up with that I wonder??? Thank you so much for these great Twofer challenges over the past few years. I hate to see them end, but priorities always force us to adjust where we must, and I do understand. I hope you'll still be in blogland along with all of your great DT as well. Thanks for the memories, I will carry them with me always :)

BożenA said...

You used the cat character so cleverly to create two such different cards. I love both cards as they are always filled with a wonderful sense of humor.
I wish this was the last Twofer challenge. I loved being inspired by the Twofer gallery and DT cards. At the same time, thank you for the trouble of running the Twofer blog, it was a great inspiration for me.
hugs,
BożenA

Bobby said...

I can definitely see that sentiment on the dog's face, Darnell, especially considering the look on the cat's face. So perfect! Love the sentiment on the other one as well since it looks like merriment is on that cat's mind. Two great cards, my friend.

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

Oh, such adorable cards!! I love both cats and dogs and these two cards make me smile! Fabulous works!! You are always so creative! My fav is the one with the cat hiding in the snow, it's just amazing!
Hugs

Linda W. (ScrappinBari) said...

Awwww - two cuties with that kitty image, Darnell. Just love the kitty piled on the dog and the peeking kitty looks so darling behind the winter trees!! Thanks again for the inspiration at Twofer!!

Jean said...

This is so cute!

Lisa Elton said...

It HAD to be the dog dropping that snarky sentiment! What a fun card, Darnell. And the cat lurking... eh hiding behind the tree is too cute!

Cheryl W. said...

Fun cards! I'm sure that cat wishes there were a few baubles on that tree that could be batted off and broken. Our cat seemed to think the tree was his plaything and all glass ornaments were meant to be broken!! Thanks so much for all your hard work on the TCC blog. It has been such fun and has helped me keep my brain working--an important exercise as we age. Be well, be content, and know how much we all care.

Susan said...

Great cards, Darnell, especially the first one - that hard done by dog made me smile - glad he's so tolerant of his cat friend! Although I didn't enter Twofer very often, I'll miss seeing how others manage to use their stamps in imaginative ways!

nancy littrell said...

OMG..Two very different dog and cat cards, my friend. You had me laughing out loud on your 1st funny and cute dog and cat card. Your 2nd card with just the cat peeking out behind a tree is such a beautiful and creative Christmas card. TFS and for the reminder...I am still hoping to play. Hope you are dealing ok with the heat...ugh! Love and Hugs...

TFS the warped plates tip...I will definitely be trying her technique. Hugs...

frommycraftroom said...

OMG these are awesome cards. Love them both.

The first sentiment could be used to describe our government leaders at the moment!

Thanks for the link off to check out Jennifers video.

Craftychris said...

Fantastic twofer cards - the Christmas one is so clever - I adore it! I can image all the sparkle! Take care my friend. Hugs xxxxxxx

Sue's Crafty Corner said...

Two wonderful cards Darnell, I just love the Christmas card with the cat peeking out from behind the Christmas tree.

Sue xx

Brenda in IN said...

That cat and dog are a hoot! The cat peeking out is adorable too. I'm almost done with mine and hope to finish today. Glad your plates are flat again and the video helped. I've still got to do mine!

Redanne said...

Both cards are just adorable, I love the cat and dog together but the kitty peeking out from behind that gorgeous tree has stolen my heart, it really is super cute! The sky looks pretty amazing too!

I watched Jennifer's video and tried out the boiling water technique too and it really does work, very impressive and so much easier than baking them in the oven!

Take care and keep safe and well my friend. Hugs, Annie xxx

HilaryJane said...

Your last cards for your Twofer challenge and very special they are too. I am so sad that I don't think I will get time to join you this month, but I am proud and honoured that in the few times that I have entered your challenge I have one once and received an honourable mention once, so thank you very much for all the time and effort you put into it. I am also pleased that it has been responsible for challenging me to try new things xx

oldpunca said...

Gorgeous cat and dog Twofer, Darnell. I have to look for the cat at the Christmas card. :-) Snowy night is just great. Tell Hammy, he did an amazing work by sparkling cat and dog at the first card. :-) I like the funny sentiment.
Thank you for the link. I have to try it out before writing this comment. It works! My Cuttlebug plates are like new.
Have a nice day! Hugs, Sonja

Marcia Hill said...

Another great Twofer Darnell! Your dog and cat images are perfect and I absolutely LOVE the sentiment on the 1st card!! Your black & white Christmas card is FABULOUS too...LOVE it!! I watched Jennifer's video on the cutting plates, and haven't tried it yet, but definitely will...mine are pretty warped right now! Hugs. :0)

Loll said...

Two more wonderful cards for your final Twofer challenge, my friend. LOVE this sweet dog and cat laying on top of each other. So cute! And the Christmas card is sweet with the cat peeking out from behind the tree. Took me a minute to find the cat! :) Congrats on running a very successful and fun challenge for four years. You are AWESOME!! Love, Lolly

Nancy said...

Two more great cards to add to your inventory! Love the sentiment on the first one and your Christmas card is darling too. I did not see the cat at first glance at all and love the speckled snow! Thanks for playing at Just Us Girls and stay well!

SmilynStef said...

Your abominable snow cat is perfection ... love how you added to the tree height too (I think you'd have to add to the width to hide me LOL) ... so very glad you shared your Cardstock Christmas with us at Jingle Belles.

Pat said...

Fabulous Twofers Darnell and I love the fun cat and dog and a really great sentiment too and a fun paw print background, and then the cat peeking round the tree...so cute, and love the white snow fall over the black sky, and both so sparkly and shiny..you can actually see the sparkle and gloss on the first, but not so easy to see the added sparkle and shine on the second. How generous to offer two prizes for this last challenge..thank you lots! x

Brenda said...

OMGosh, your twofers are too cute Auntie! I love the dog and cat together, his expression says it all, so the sentiment is perfect. lol Love how you took the cat and have it peeking out from behind the tree, so fun, so unexpected and so scary if you are the one getting pounced on. lol Thank you for the years of the Twofer Challenges, they were always so fun and got the brain thinking! It will be missed, but you have trained us to look at our stamps/dies, stencils in a whole new light. Love and hugs, Brenda

JulieP said...

Both are great but I do love little Miss Abominable Snowcat. (And no, I didn't see her right away.) Thanks for linking this fabulous card to the HLS Christmas challenge. xxx-- JulieP

Lynda said...

Two great cards Darnell - loving the cat peeking from behind the tree. Thank you for joining us at The Alphabet Challenge xx Lynda/Loopyloo DT

Fikreta said...

Very beautiful cards!

sandie said...

I must have missed you are closing this challenge but so understand. And what a creative way to use these stamps. Love the little sneaking head on the second card-such a sweetie xx

Mac Mable said...

What fun cards and the image of the dog and the cat are priceless. Fabulous first card, great sentiment and love all the sparkle. Striking monochromatic Christmas card and love that cheeky little cat, the Chrystal effects and the fun snow x. Thanks for the link Darnell and yes a very kind and friendly community x.

lauren bergold said...

beautiful, bold, b&w design and that supercute hidden kitteh is my favorite part! thanks for joining our JINGLE BELLES cardstock christmas fun!

Cazro said...

A wonderful black and white card. Thanks for joining in our challenge at Alphabet Challenges. We love to see you visit us. Hugs Caz. DT.

Di said...

Ha, ha! What fun cards these are Darnell! Love the dramatic effect of your snippets card - plus that cheeky cat!

Huge apologies from me for being so late commenting!

Hugs

Di xx

Toni said...

The peeping cat—love!

Shell Shearer Swinscoe said...

Super cute makes, love your pepping snowcat

Thank you for sharing with us at 'Happy Little Stampers Christmas' this month
Hugs Shell xx

JD/ Jill said...

I looked at your card before and thought I had posted a comment but I don't see one. I love your cards (Actually I LOVE all your cards) So sorry to hear that your twofer challenge is ending... Even though I didn't join to often (It really was a challenge for me) I enjoyed seeing all the cards done for the challenge.